Encompass vs. Comprise — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 16, 2024
"Encompass" refers to including all aspects or parts of something, broadly covering or surrounding, while "comprise" means to consist of or be made up of specific parts.
Difference Between Encompass and Comprise
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Encompass" generally implies a broader inclusion or coverage of elements, often suggesting an encircling or surrounding nature. On the other hand, "comprise" is used to indicate the components that form a whole, listing what is included without suggesting order or hierarchy.
When you say something "encompasses" various elements, it often conveys the idea of a larger scope or range. Whereas, "comprise" usually focuses on a clear, often exhaustive enumeration of parts that make up the whole.
"Encompass" can be used in a more metaphorical sense to suggest inclusion in a non-physical way, such as a plan or concept that encompasses a range of ideas. In contrast, "comprise" typically sticks to more concrete or factual descriptions of what elements are included.
Usage of "encompass" might suggest an active inclusion or consideration of all aspects related to a topic. On the other hand, "comprise" simply states the elements included, without implying any action of surrounding or including.
In legal or technical contexts, "encompass" could imply coverage under a rule or law, indicating a protective or encircling effect. Conversely, "comprise" would more dryly list the constituents of a group or set without implying protection or inclusion.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Include all aspects, cover or surround
Consist of, be made up of
Connotation
Broader, more inclusive
Specific, detailed enumeration
Usage Context
Often metaphorical or abstract
Typically concrete, factual
Implication
Active inclusion, protective
Passive listing of components
Example in Sentence
The course encompasses various subjects.
The course comprises math, science, and art.
Compare with Definitions
Encompass
To include comprehensively.
The new law encompasses many previously unregulated areas.
Comprise
To embody or incorporate in the structure.
The curriculum comprises aspects of liberal arts and sciences.
Encompass
To constitute or include as part of a whole.
The responsibilities of the role encompass overseeing all departments.
Comprise
To make up or form something.
Water comprises over 70% of the Earth's surface.
Encompass
To surround something completely.
The fog encompassed the entire valley.
Comprise
To contain or hold as part of a whole.
The museum's collection comprises artifacts from ancient times.
Encompass
To cover a wide range of items or ideas.
The discussion encompassed topics from several disciplines.
Comprise
To be the elements or parts of.
This country comprises several states.
Encompass
To encircle or envelop.
The city is encompassed by lush forests.
Comprise
To consist of; to include all parts.
The committee comprises five members.
Encompass
Encompass, the Enterprise Computing Association, was the original computer user group for business customers of Hewlett-Packard. Encompass's history began with DECUS, founded in 1961, for customers of the Digital Equipment Corporation, which was acquired in 1998 by Compaq.
Comprise
To be composed of or contain
The staff comprises eight physicians, two dozen nurses, and various administrative people.
Encompass
To form a circle or ring around; encircle.
Comprise
Usage Problem To compose; make up; constitute
The countries and territories that comprised the British Empire.
Encompass
To enclose; envelop
"The blackness of the eternal night encompassed me" (Edgar Allan Poe).
Comprise
(transitive) To be made up of; to consist of (especially a comprehensive list of parts).
The whole comprises the parts.
The parts are comprised by the whole.
Encompass
To have as part of something larger; include
A galaxy encompassing billions of stars.
Comprise
To compose; to constitute.In the passive voice, the use of of with comprise (is/are comprised of) may be regarded as tautological because the same meaning can be expressed in the active (comprises) without of, or with composed of, which is both synonymous and non-tautological (since compose in this sense always requires of).
The whole is comprised of the parts.
The parts comprise the whole.
Encompass
(transitive) To form a circle around; to encircle.
Comprise
To contain or embrace.
Our committee comprises a president, secretary, treasurer and five other members.
Encompass
(transitive) To include within its scope; to circumscribe or go round so as to surround; to enclose; to contain.
Comprise
(patent law) To include, contain, or be made up of, defining the minimum elements, whether essential or inessential to define an invention.
Encompass
(transitive) To include completely; to describe fully or comprehensively.
This book on English grammar encompasses all irregular verbs.
Comprise
To comprehend; to include.
Comprise much matter in few words.
Friendship does two souls in one comprise.
Encompass
(transitive) To go around, especially, to circumnavigate.
Drake encompassed the globe.
Comprise
Be composed of;
The land he conquered comprised several provinces
What does this dish consist of?
Encompass
To circumscribe or go round so as to surround closely; to encircle; to inclose; to environ; as, a ring encompasses the finger; an army encompasses a city; a voyage encompassing the world.
A question may be encompassed with difficulty.
The love of all thy sons encompass thee.
Comprise
Include or contain; have as a component;
A totally new idea is comprised in this paper
The record contains many old songs from the 1930's
Encompass
Include in scope; include as part of something broader; have as one's sphere or territory;
This group encompasses a wide range of people from different backgrounds
This should cover everyone in the group
Comprise
Form or compose;
This money is my only income
The stone wall was the backdrop for the performance
These constitute my entire belonging
The children made up the chorus
This sum represents my entire income for a year
These few men comprise his entire army
Common Curiosities
What does it mean to encompass something?
It means to surround or cover something completely, often including a wide range of aspects.
Is "comprise" used to indicate the order of components?
No, "comprise" states what is included without suggesting any sequence.
Can "encompass" be used in a figurative sense?
Yes, it often carries a metaphorical usage, such as a strategy that encompasses various approaches.
What is the primary use of "comprise"?
It is used to specify the parts or components that make up a whole.
Are there any synonyms for "encompass" and "comprise"?
Yes, synonyms for "encompass" include encircle, include, and cover; for "comprise," include, contain, and consist of.
What is the passive form of "comprise"?
"Comprise" is itself typically used in a form that could be considered passive, as in "is comprised of."
Does "comprise" suggest anything about the size or extent of the whole?
Not directly; it simply states what elements are part of the whole.
Does "encompass" imply any spatial relations?
Yes, it can imply physical surrounding or covering, but also abstractly encompasses concepts or categories.
Can "comprise" be used interchangeably with "compose"?
No, "compose" is typically used to indicate the creation of something from various parts, while "comprise" indicates what elements are included as part of the whole.
Can "encompass" be used to indicate emotional coverage?
Yes, it can be used metaphorically to suggest emotional or cognitive inclusion.
Is it correct to say a team is comprised of members?
Yes, it's a common usage to state that a group comprises its members.
How does "encompass" differ from "include"?
"Encompass" suggests a more comprehensive or surrounding inclusion than "include."
Is it grammatically correct to say "is comprised of"?
While common, some style guides prefer "comprises" or "is composed of" to avoid the passive construction.
Can "encompass" and "comprise" be used interchangeably?
They are not generally interchangeable due to different implications of inclusion and listing.
How is "encompass" used in a technical context?
In technical contexts, "encompass" can refer to systems or processes that include multiple functionalities or considerations.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
